un-

/ʌn-/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌn-/ (ame, ipa)

un- — 字首

1. placed at the start of many words to give a meaning like 'not', 'without', or th

1.字首A2
釋義

不；非

加在字首，表示不是或相反

placed at the start of many words to give a meaning like 'not', 'without', or the reverse quality of the original word.

例句

The players thought the late penalty was unfair to the home side.

球員們覺得那記延後吹判的十二碼對主隊不公平。

un- + adjective: unfair = not fair

After one short reply, Amira felt unsure about asking again.

收到那則簡短回覆後，Amira 不確定該不該再問一次。

同義詞
  • non-

    often more formal and category-based, especially in labels and technical writing

  • in-

    another negative prefix used with certain Latinate adjectives such as incorrect or invisible

  • dis-

    can suggest an opposite state or absence, as in dishonest or disloyal

文法句型

un- + adjective (unfair)

un- + adjective (unclear)

un- + noun (uncertainty)

用法筆記

Most often attached to common adjectives to form everyday opposites such as unfair and unclear. It can also appear in nouns and adverbs, but the adjective pattern is the one learners meet most often.

常見錯誤

❌The rule is in fair to visitors.
✅The rule is unfair to visitors.
💡this negative meaning is formed with the prefix un-, not by adding a separate word.

2. placed before some verbs to mean doing the action in reverse, opening something,

2.字首B1
釋義

解；拆

加在動詞前，表示反做或去除

placed before some verbs to mean doing the action in reverse, opening something, or taking something off or out.

例句

Rafael knelt to untie the wet rope around the canoe.

Rafael 跪下來解開綁在獨木舟上的濕繩子。

un- + verb: untie = reverse the action

At security, Yumi had to unpack her bag for a second check.

安檢時，Yumi 得把包包打開重查一次。

un- + verb: unpack = take things out

同義詞
  • de-

    more formal or technical in many verbs, especially with Latinate bases

  • dis-

    can also show reversal in some verbs, but it is less common in everyday physical actions like untie or unpack

文法句型

un- + verb (untie)

un- + verb (unpack)

un- + verb (unwrap)

用法筆記

Usually joins verbs about fastening, packing, covering, or loading. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense changes an action, not just the meaning of an adjective or noun.

常見錯誤

❌Please unclose the window.
✅Please open the window.
💡un- only works with certain established verbs and cannot be added freely to every opposite action.